‘Failing’ Van Buren principal replaced

An unpopular principal of a failing Queens Village high school, who local leaders and parents rallied to remove in February, has been replaced, according to the Department of Education.

Principal Marilyn Shevell — called an “ineffective leader” by members of the PTA and community — retired from Martin Van Buren High School, education officials said. Sam Sochet will take over as the interim acting principal, effective July 1.

“The change in leadership at Martin Van Buren is a long time coming, but it is a necessary step to prevent another one of our neighborhood schools from failing,” said State Senator Tony Avella.

Martin Van Buren received a “D” in the most recent Department of Education (DOE) progress report, which is based on student progress toward graduation, performance on standardized tests and coursework and student attendance. It scored a “C” in the last two years as well.

Shevell took over in 2002, which PTA officials said turned the school into a site of plummeting morale.

A C-30 process will commence early in the next school year to find a permanent principal, said Marge Feinberg, a spokesperson for the DOE.